Former "Good Morning America Weekend" anchor Janai Norman has publicly criticized ABC News and its personnel, including host Michael Strahan, months after her contract with the network was not renewed. Norman, who exited ABC earlier this year, has lodged accusations on social media that news organizations, including her former employer, have become "complicit in upholding white supremacy."
Her critiques have drawn attention from former colleagues and industry observers, according to a report. The broadsides are particularly notable given their public nature following her departure.
Norman specifically targeted Strahan's interview with the parents of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old found dead after a boating trip in Mississippi. During the interview, Strahan questioned the parents about their son's decision to stay behind on Horn Island. Norman argued that Strahan's question was not objective and was insensitive, suggesting it should have focused on whether the parents believed their son made that decision voluntarily, rather than asking them to defend it.
"Bless Michael, ’cause he had it right the first time," Norman stated in a video critique. "The question should have been, ‘Do you believe that?’ Not asking these grieving parents to defend a decision that we don’t even know for certain their deceased son made."
Beyond Strahan's interview, Norman broadened her criticism to encompass how news organizations handle information from law enforcement. She asserted that many outlets place excessive trust in police as primary sources, which she believes contributes to racial divisions. Citing Mississippi's history of lynchings, Norman contended that a lack of skepticism towards authorities in the Wells case allowed news organizations to be "complicit in upholding white supremacy."
Norman also accused ABC of "gaslighting" the public and described one of its digital stories on the Wells case as "problematic" and "blame the victim." She further commented on ABC's coverage of a New Mexico ruling ordering Meta to pay $567 million in penalties, suggesting that the network's report, while containing specific details, ultimately "almost protects Meta" by not using stronger language from the judge.
An ABC News spokesperson defended Strahan, stating he is an "invaluable and highly respected member of the ABC News family" and that the network has "complete confidence in his editorial judgment, integrity, and professionalism."
Reports suggest friction existed between Norman and ABC News leadership prior to her departure. Following her exit, there was a reported "contentious back-and-forth" between Norman and ABC concerning her forthcoming book, with the network seeking details about its contents. Norman indicated on Instagram that the book's cover was altered to accommodate ABC News' concerns about a specific photo.
Norman's departure from ABC was reportedly known in early March, but she continued to appear on air. However, after news of the non-renewal leaked in early April, she was reportedly pulled from the air before her contract officially ended in early May.
Norman is slated to appear at the National Association of Black Journalists conference alongside former ABC News president Kim Godwin. Godwin has indicated she plans to discuss her experiences leading ABC News.